Hidden Gold Worth Millions Found During Belgian Brewery Renovation
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Approximately $9.5 million (485 million TL) worth of gold was discovered hidden in a wall during renovation work at an old brewery near Brussels.
- Authorities are investigating the ownership of the gold, some of which is stamped with dates from 1957 and 1961, and its potential connection to past crimes.
- The find has revived discussions about major unsolved robberies in Belgian history, including the 2003 Antwerp Diamond Heist.
Renovation work at an old brewery near Brussels led to a stunning discovery: approximately $9.5 million (485 million TL) in gold hidden within a wall. The find, made by two workers on August 11, initially appeared to be ordinary coins but soon revealed itself to be a significant hoard of gold bars and pieces.
Belgian authorities have secured the gold and are now facing the complex task of determining its rightful owner. Some of the gold bars bear stamps indicating dates from 1957 and 1961, suggesting the treasure is not ancient but its origins remain a mystery. The renovation company stated that identifying the owner could take years, involving investigations into potential links to past criminal activities.
The discovery has also brought to light Belgium's history of major unsolved heists. High-profile cases like the 2003 Antwerp Diamond Heist, where valuables worth around $125 million were stolen from a high-security vault, and subsequent large-scale robberies of diamonds and gold, are being re-examined. Police have not yet confirmed any connection between the gold found in the wall and these past crimes, though the location's proximity to Antwerp has drawn attention.
The owner of the gold may take years to determine.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.